“Is this me?”
Lily’s smile reflected in the mirror.
“Do you have any doubts about your beauty now?”
She had no doubts, only amazement.
“But how?”
“Very simple. I suggest you go and show your brother. Let’s see what he says. I’m afraid you will need to take off the dress after and give it to the girls. It needs a little fixing.” Lydia slid her fingers along the pink silk.
“How much do I owe you?”
Lily glanced at the princess, and she immediately corrected herself. She was a smart woman and quickly realized that Lilian had done this from the heart. She cared nothing for the money.
“Thank you.”
Lilian softened.
“We will consider it my present, Your Highness.”
“I am Lydia for you. No titles please.”
“Lily, but only between each other.”
Their eyes met. Lydia nodded. They couldn’t show their friendship publicly. They would keep up appearances in that regard, and only privately, would they call each other by their first names. Lilian wouldn't forget the young woman, and Lydia would remember her savior. That was the start of their friendship, which promised to become stronger with time.
“Let’s assume that I also got my way. I forgot about the earrings!”
Two pink pearls, the work of artisan Leitz, completed the look. Lydia admired them in the mirror.
“Wonderful! What will be your reward?”
Lily grinned.
“I want you to show up at court dressed like this and tell everyone you were dressed at Mariella Fashion House.”
“Mariella?”
“Mariella was my mother's name. I want to open a fashion salon for women, where they can come and get fashion advice, just like we advised you. We can all agree that hair and clothes are trivial matters, but they make life easier.”
Lydia agreed.
“Will you do it?”
“With great pleasure!”
***
Miguel was petting a puppy and asking about the methods of dog training when she slipped into the living room. The prince simply did not recognize his sister. She was a beautiful vision in pink and had nothing to do with Lydia.
The prince suddenly became so uncomfortable that he just sat stunned, his chat with the Virman suddenly interrupted by this strange lady. He and Erik jumped to their feet.
“Let me introduce myself, madam! Miguel, the Prince of Ivernea. You must also be one of the countess’ guests?”
Lilian covered her face with both hands, shuddering from the spasms of silent laughter and not being able to keep it in. Lydia stepped forward and got a tenacious grip of her brother’s ear.
“Me? A guest?”
“Lydia?”
Her brother’s amazed look was payback for all the humiliation of the previous night. The admiration in the Virman’s eyes was even more precious to Lydia. Erik bowed with deep respect.
“Your Highness, allow my liberty, but you look amazing.” Lydia’s cheeks flushed pink, and she lowered her eyes.
Lily grinned.
“You made the girl blush! Isn’t she a beauty?”
Lydia enjoyed compliments for the next ten minutes. Afterward, Lily sent her to Marcia and the other maids. Lily tried to think what else might suit the girl. Cold hues didn’t compliment her skin. The warm ones, on the other hand, suited her well—pink, apricot, peach, cream, and all their shades. Lily wanted to combine them with pink or green. We’ll see what else we can find.
“My Lady.”
“Hans!”
They bumped into each other in the doorway. Lily looked around. Lydia was already gone, and nobody else seemed to care about them. Perfect timing.
“Richard received the confession.” Hans switched to half-whisper.
“So?”
“He went to his father last night and left the letter with him.”
Lily preferred not to ask Hans how he knew about this.
“Do you think he will take the information seriously?”
“I hope so.”
Lily lowered her eyes. She didn’t want Anna on the throne. The country didn’t need such a queen. Is it an arrogant presumption?
Remembering the twenty-first century where businessmen paid for politics, she thought herself a true saint. She was simply standing up for the truth. Nobody forced Anna to lie to her husband and deceive him into thinking she wanted to escape with him. She could've refused Richard’s offer of marriage and departed with Lons instead. Lons would've accepted Anna’s every decision. If it wasn’t for Anna’s lie, he would be alive. It was too late now. Lily would never forgive her for the death of Lily’s people.
Chapter Six
The Second node
Gardwig felt a little better. His medicus washed the wound and was left amazed. The ulcer looked better after the soaking. Although it was still far from recovery, there was a good chance that everything would go well. The king hoped to live for at least five more years. Considering the former hopelessness of his situation, this was already something. He didn’t want to die before his child grew up and before he lifted up the country. Maybe by that time, the Khangans will have invented a new treatment. He wouldn't mind adding another ten years to his life. Lily also hoped for the best. Everything was in the hands of Aldonai, including brick falling from the roofs. At least the king had good veins and no diabetes (maybe the leeches had helped, after all). With proper nutrition and care, the king could hope to live for another ten years. The most important thing was to let the ulcer scar correctly and prevent it from reopening. Gardwig heard about those truths from Tahir, who described his care in the most eloquent manner. The king was inspired by his speeches. He didn’t want to pass before his time and was ready to follow any advice.
So much was he inspired by the prospect of his recovery that he didn’t even get angry with the messenger, who came to him on behalf of Edward. The king wished to see his crowned brother that day for a formal meeting. Gardwig handed the invitation to his master of ceremonies.
“Tell him I agree to the meeting tonight or tomorrow.”
The master of ceremonies set about his difficult task. On the one hand, the king shouldn't lose face and dignity. On the other hand, both kings were not in their best health, so a magnificent ceremony wasn't appropriate. They could even behead him for organizing one. Moreover, the man should take into account that one of the kings was a host and the other one a guest. Lastly, the two kings were good friends, which made it difficult to keep things proper and formal. Everything had to be done on the run. Being the master of ceremonies was a hard job.
***
“My house is your house,” said Jess with a faint smile. Lily carefully looked at his chambers. What can I say?
It was the sanctuary of a bachelor. Although it was cozy and nice, something was still missing. Heat? Light? Color?
“Do you come here often, Earl?”
“I usually stay in the palace. I feel myself at home there. As for this place, Miranda used to like coming here.”
“She is a wonderful child.”
Talking about her daughter was safe, and Jess gladly picked up the subject. But it wasn’t all that simple.
“I am only worried about her marriage.”
“Her engagement with Amir?”
“Exactly. A different faith, a different country—”
“Different customs, different culture… I understand. I am very much worried myself. Yet, I trust Mirrie. She is a strong and clever girl. If we help her now, she will be able to help herself later.”
“Nevertheless, when your spouse is entitled to have concubines, and you don’t even have a right to speak freely—”
“Tell me about it!” Lily couldn't refrain from giving Jess a malicious grin. “Men in our country also think that they are entitled to have mistresses.”
Jess frowned but swallowed the insult. What can he say to that? That he isn’t guilty? The w
omen cornered him and raped him? Two hundred and twice raped!
Lily waved her hand to cast aside the unpleasant thoughts.
“It’s nice here. Is this house large enough to fit all of us?”
“Let’s count and think what changes to make.”
Lily counted on her fingers.
“You, me, Miranda, Amalia’s children, and Alicia, right?”
“Right.” Jerisson frowned. “Children, yes.”
Roman and Jacob had never met their uncle. It was painful for Jess to even think about the children or their dead mother. As far as Lily understood, the king hadn’t told Jess the whole truth about the death of his sister. Jess didn’t know much about the conspiracy, and she certainly would not be the one to tell him. So, Amalia remained a saint in Jess’s memory. All the better! That would stop him from seeking revenge unless Edward himself pointed out the criminals.
“What shall we do with the rest of my retinue?”
“Um…”
“The Virmans, the Khangans, the artisans…”
“The artisans will soon head to Taral. As for the Virmans, how long until they go back?”
“Father and Leif signed a three-year contract,” shrugged Lily. “I don’t know about the rest. They could leave any time.” When Lily had arrived in that world, it had been jarring to learn they only knew of one continent. The Countess of Earton wanted to take on the function of the Spanish Crown. She would set the ships to search for an unknown coast.
Lily knew that the earth poles were almost identical to the magnetic poles. She could construct a compass in no time. She needed a needle, a cup of water, and a cork that floated on the surface. She would heat a needle from one end in order to demagnetize it, put it on the cork and place them inside the cup filled with water. The heated end of the needle would point south.
A compass, a telescope, and a ship—she seemed to have everything to conquer the world. Once, after a conversation with Lily, August had begun improving the Virman ship. He also wanted more, and he had the money and resources for it. The Virmans had a job. They used to be decent pirates who competed with Loris. Since Ativerna was going to make an agreement with Wellster and the Khanganat, Loris had ceased to be a threat, and it left the Virmans short of their pirate activities.
Should we put our teeth on the shelf and go into opposition? No, thank you.
“The Khangans are soon to return to their home.”
“In about a year.”
“So long?”
“Amir had the most severe poisoning. A miracle saved him.”
“I see. I suppose he needs to remain under constant medical watch?”
“Even so—”
“My dear wife,” Jess’s blue eyes flashed in a cheeky way. “Do you really not have time for your husband?”
“It depends on how hard my husband tries,” replied Lilian.
Jerisson’s answer was a kiss on her sassy lips. He kissed once, then twice. Her dress somehow appeared on the floor, and the underwear dropped next to it. The earl’s chamber had a wonderful bed. It was made of oak, very wide and made absolutely no creaking. According to both husband and wife, the result of the night was worth it.
***
“Edward,”
“Gardwig, thank you for agreeing to see me.”
“Why wouldn’t I? I guess I need to say thank you for Tahir.”
“Your limp seems less.”
“That’s right. They’re treating me.”
“What do they say?”
“That I will live if I pull myself together and follow all instructions. Diet, herbs, exercises—”
“I see you’ve already gotten used to following those orders?”
“Nobody before could cure me. I’ll give it a try.”
Officially, the two rulers must communicate at a high-level meeting. Unofficially, Edward used his royal will and didn’t let anyone else be present. Gardwig supported his idea. As a result, the two old men sat in an ordinary room with a fireplace, two cozy chairs, and a table.
“Something happened?”
“Why, yes. Read it yourself.”
Gardwig accepted a letter from the hands of his colleague and skimmed through the text. When he got to the middle, his face turned red, then white, and he threw the scroll against the wall and shouted profanely.
Edward looked alarmed.
“Do you think it’s true?”
Gardwig waved his hand, asking to be left to cool down. Edward looked at his crowned brother and against all codes of conduct poured him wine. Gardwig took a couple sips and began gradually to recover.
“Where did you get this from?”
“Someone left it on Richard’s bedside table. Is the confession true?”
“I don’t know,” Gardwig said gloomily. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Anna inherited her mother’s behavior. That wench was ready to sleep with anyone. I swear I don’t know anything about it.”
“Is the rest about Anna true in the letter?”
“About her education? It’s true. About the birthmarks, we have a family mole on the back, but I’ve never seen Anna’s.”
“What if I inspect her? I can find a midwife and a medicus. You know how it’s done.”
Gardwig knew. He had married widows a couple of times, but his wives were never murderers. He had known everything about his wives from the beginning.
“I understand, and I won’t object. Does anyone know about it?”
“Do you think I would tell?”
Gardwig relaxed a little. Edward kept everything secret.
“Politics,” was the only reply of Gardwig.
He didn’t make excuses and didn’t explain himself. He only repeated the known truth—that one cannot stay clean and pure on the throne.
“True. But I like the agreement with Wellster. I don’t like the Iverneans, and Richard doesn’t like Lydia.”
“Anna is a fool! I will strangle her with my own hands!”
“If Anna is a virgin, we will announce the engagement on the same day. I promise. If not…”
Gardwig was silent. He was contemplating the situation when Edward suddenly smiled.
“If not, how old is your second daughter?”
“Thirteen.”
“Richard can wait another three years, but it will mean that you will have to educate her properly.”
Gardwig threw a glance at his companion.
“Are you serious?”
“Dead serious. We can wait a little, but not very long. We can even have an engagement now and sign the contract. The girl will arrive at Ativerna whenever she's ready. You can send her immediately. I will put her with my daughters with no damage to her honor. Who knows, maybe she and Richard will fall in love.”
His Majesty Gardwig sighed with relief.
“Edward…”
He was short of words. The king wasn't used to expressing his gratitude in words instead of presents, and Edward saw it.
“Bear in mind, I insist on having the province of Bali for a dowry.”
“I will even give you the tribute to salt. We have a problem with trade.”
“Nay,” squinted Edward. “We have our own salt-making technology. It will become cheaper, but we could play around with something else. Coal, for example.”
“Shall we discuss?” squinted Gardwig.
“Of course, but first things first.”
“My daughter Anna.”
His Majesty went a little darker, though everything worked out well. His daughter was stupid, and he would see to punishing her appropriately. The interests of Wellster shouldn't suffer. His reputation would remain intact, that was the main thing.
“What do you suggest?”
“Inspection. Bring her to the palace, and my midwife will have a look. If Anna is chaste, we will immediately announce the engagement. If not—”
“If not, we need a plan.”
Gardwig furrowed his brow and brooded. “If not, she will need to simply disappear.”
“She’s your daughter.”
“So what? Do you not have prisons? We’ll quietly keep her there and in a couple of years will send her to the nunnery. We could say that she ran away.”
“Besides, we have your second daughter. Why not? It could work.”
Edward thought about Stonebug. He wasn’t going to put Anna there forever; neither did he plan to send her to a nunnery. When the time was right, he would let her out, give her money, and send her away. Another option was to give her into marriage to some low-class merchant. Either way, the options were plenty.
Edward saw that Gardwig’s reason was presently marred by mad frenzy. He would later regret taking harsh measures against his own child. If Edward’s girls got themselves into something similar, he knew that he’d, sooner or later, forgive their childish silliness.
The case with Amalia was different. Edward couldn't forgive what she’d done. She was a grown-up woman and deliberately provoked a rebellion. Compared to Amalia, Anna was still a child. She would grow wiser.
“When?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
The kings exchanged glances. They didn’t need words to understand each other. Gardwig was giving his daughter for an inspection and a punishment. All he cared about was the future of the country. Edward tried to alleviate the plight of his friend, and Gardwig appreciated it.
***
“Jerisson, could you do me a favor?”
“Yes, Uncle. What is it?”
“Nothing much. Richard?”
Without getting up from his chair, Richard threw the parchment with the confession to his friend.
“This must remain between us.”
Jess read through the scroll, swore, and rubbed his forehead.
“I don’t understand. How can it be true?”
“Sadly, it is.”
The Price of Happiness: A Strong Woman in the Middle Ages (A Medieval Tale Book 5) Page 31